After GPO (German Precision Optics) has been offering the Tac Spotter, a spotting scope for the primarily tactical and sporting long-range sector, since 2023, the German optic specialists will be launching two more spotting scopes in 2025. The new models are part of the Passion model line, which is aimed more at hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, but certainly also have a lot to offer sport shooters and, in particular, nature observers interested in ornithology, aka birders.
Birdwatching in particular requires not only sharp, but also extremely color-true image reproduction in the spotting scope, as there are bird species that can only be clearly distinguished from others by slight colour nuances in their plumage. The fact that the designers of the new GPO Passion 16-48x65 APO and Passion 20-60x85 APO spotting scopes have not only placed great emphasis on image sharpness, but also on color fidelity and the avoidance of color fringing, is underlined by the letter abbreviation following the optical specifications. APO stands for the apochromatic objective lens system, which is used in both spotting scopes and is designed to prevent such undesirable color fringing.
The new GPO carbon tripod can be converted very quickly from a tripod to a monopod
To match the new Passion APO spotting scopes, GPO now also has a very light and practical tripod in its catalog. The new GPO full-carbon tripod really is extremely lightweight thanks to the material used. The tripod originally comes with 4 extension elements, i.e. in addition to the legs, the tube that carries the tripod head can also be extended. GPO uses a 3D ball head with a quick-release adapter plate as an interface for standard tripod threads. The tripod weighs just 1,190 g and can carry a weight of up to 15 kg.
The pack size is 35 cm and when fully extended the length, or maximum height, is 152 cm. The segments are made of carbon tubes and are fixed in place with twist locks. If required, the GPO carbon tripod can be converted into a monopod in a matter of seconds. Everything you need for this, as well as a carrying bag and a protective cover for the tripod head, are included in the recommended retail price of 199 euros.
New GPO Passion SD entry-level binoculars and GPO Harness Pro for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
This year, the GPO has also rounded off its Passion line of binoculars with an affordable entry-level series called GPO Passion SD. Like the already well-known Passion ED and Passion HD binoculars series, the new SD binoculars also have a rubber-armored magnesium housing with nitrogen filling.
This is certainly not a matter of course in this price range, nor is the optical performance that these GPO binoculars offer in terms of edge-to-edge sharpness, color rendition, light transmission and field of view. Six models are currently available: the Passion SD 8x26 and 10x26 for €299 each, the SD 8x34 and 10x34 for €329 each and the SD 8 x42 and 10x42 for €349 (RRP).
Whilst the smaller SD models can be easily stowed away in a jacket or coat pocket, larger binoculars require a different solution. GPO now has this solution too with the Harnes Pro, which is available in the accessories lineup. This is a very comfortable carrying harness combined with a carrying case for binoculars measuring up to 170x170x85 mm (LxWxH). The carrying system is made of robust 500D nylon and has loops based on the MOLLE system used by the military. A quickly removable smaller side pocket is attached, in which a pocket laser rangefinder or a smartphone can be stored, for example. The main bag offers plenty of storage space, divided by several compartments and mesh pockets. Quick-release fasteners and reinforced fastening loops ensure fast and permanently secure access to binoculars and equipment. To prevent the shoulder and back area from getting soaked on warm days, the harness features an anti-sweat mesh fabric on the inside. The GPO Harness Pro has an integrated rain cover to protect your gear from getting wet. The list price is 79 euros.
When designing the GPO Passion APO scopes, the focus was not only on hunting and sport, but also on birdwatching
The more powerful of the two new spotting scopes, i.e. the GPO Passion 20-60x85 APO with an 85-mm objective lens and up to 60x magnification, should be of particular interest to birders at the non-binding recommended retail price of a comparatively slim €899. In addition to its color fidelity and sharpness, the "large" GPO spotting scope can also compete with significantly more expensive models on the market in terms of resolution and contrast as well as field of view size and twilight performance. Of course, this spotting scope is also excellent for targeting game and observing hits at long distances in sport shooting.
If the 85-mm spotting scope is too bulky for you, you can also opt for the lighter and more compact GPO Passion 16-48×65 APO. The handier spotting scope at a list price of €749 fits comfortably in any hunting rucksack or range bag. Of course, compared to the larger GPO model, you have to accept a reduction in magnification and light intensity in twilight, but in return you can enjoy a larger field of view. In terms of image quality, the two models are otherwise the same. The spotting scopes have a rubber-armored magnesium housing and are waterproof and fog-free thanks to a nitrogen filling. Non-slip ArmorX grip elements are also part of the equipment, as is an integrated tripod adapter plate mounted on a ring that can be freely positioned around the longitudinal axis of the housing and a suitable carrying case that can also be used as a protective cover during operation (stay-on-case). We have summarised the most important technical data of both Passion APO spotting scopes in a table at the end of this article.
GPO Mono 10x36 HD – These features characterise the compact monocular
The Passion series from GPO also includes another product: at 126x45x60 mm (LxWxH), the ultra-compact, high-performance GPO Passion Mono 10x36 HD weighs just 240 g and is aimed at hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, shooters and archers. The monocular have lenses made of HD glass with the proven, in-house GPObright multi-coating and use a BaK4 roof prism. This combination delivers bright, sharp images with a transmission of 90% and is housed in a sturdy magnesium body. The field of view of the 10x monocular is 108 meters at 1,000 meters. The nitrogen filling of the housing prevents moisture from penetrating and fogging up the lenses from the inside. Other features of this monocular include an ergonomic focusing wheel and – important for spectacle wearers – an adjustable eyecup. Cost: 189 euros (RRP).
Video: new GPO products for 2025
GPO Passion 16-48x60 APO and GPO Passion 20-60x85 APO spotting scopes technical specifications and prices
Model: | GPO Passion 16-48x65 APO | GPO Passion 20-60x85 APO |
Magnification: | 16x to 48x | 20x to 60x |
Objective Lens Diameter: | 65 mm | 85 mm |
Focusing System: | Central focusing | |
Field of View (at 1000 m): | 46 to 24.5 m | 36 m to 20 m |
Eye Relief: | 20.5 to 18.5 mm | |
Exit Pupil: | 4.1 to 1.4 mm | 4.3 to 1.4 mm |
Near Focus: | 4 m | 6 m |
Length: | 315 mm | 375 mm |
Width: | 92 mm | 112 mm |
Height: | 156 mm | 156 mm |
Waterproof Rating: | IPX5 | |
Weight: | 1,301g | 1,807 g |
Price (RRP): | 749 euro | 899 euro |
Equipment: | Magnesium housing, nitrogen filling, eyepiece with 7 lenses, ED glass, integrated tripod adapter plate, ArmorX grip elements, lens cover, extendable sun visor, protective bag (stay-on-case). | |
All of the products discussed in this article are already available in stores. However, due to increased demand, there may be slightly longer delivery times for some products.
